Thinking of a Gallardo ownership

Atlanta355, congrats on deciding to come over to the dark side!

You will find the Gallardo to be a much different beast compared to your Ferrari. What was your old car if you don't mind me asking?

I used to own a 360 and I think the Gallardo is a big improvement, at least for daily driving and cruising etc. It doesn't feel as nervous or twitchy as the 360. However, the trade-off is that it isn't quite as responsive and I will have to admit the 360 has better communication and road feel.

As for the model years, I am sure some others can answer the question better than I can, but I do know the 2006 has a tiny bit extra hp and a system where you can lift the car for going over speed bumps and such. The one thing that I personally think is a big deal for the 2006 is the upgraded MMI system (your stereo and navi unit).

I travel a lot, and keep the car parked and under a car cover in my garage for weeks. The battery of the Gallardo doesn't seem to discharge as quickly as my old Ferrari did. You still have to put a battery tender on it if you keep it for over a month though. You might also want to put Stabil in your fuel lines.

As for reliability, well, I can tell you that my Gallardo has given me error codes that would come and mysteriously disappear (E-gear, check engine, etc...). I was driving along once and an E-gear light came on, in the middle of a busy road, and the car wouldn't let me shift out of first/second gear. I had to stop the car, let it rest for a while, and restart it, then the E-gear warning disappeared and never came back. I suppose you could call this "unintended deceleration." But overall I still found the car more reliable than my old Ferrari, although to be fair it is a newer car.

 

I have an '06 spyder with about 14k miles on it and it sits for weeks at a time. I bought it new and over the 14,000 miles it has only had normal annual service, never needed anything else. I have an aftermarket exhaust on it as well as third party brake rotors & pads since I put it on the track every once in a while and those haven't caused any issues either; and I'd say I push the car harder than most would.

 

I would buy a gallardo before a 8 cylinder ferrari if the intention was daily driver...

as for toffy's opinion... caveat emptor...

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293857

 

I own both a 355B and an 05 Gallardo. The 355 is semi-retired now. The G is more powerful by a mile, more user friendly, gets more attention and is a great car to drive. I love them both but the G is the one I drive most. That must say something. Enjoy! You won't regret it.

 

G all the way, i've had several of both, G much more exciting in every aspect. All the Best!

 

I have a somewhat moded 04, I wont go into my dislike of AWD cars at the moment, but I have owned my car for 2 years, and it has been converted to RWD, has had stock exhaust taken out, has a LP560 front bumper, and sterring wheel, new sound system, and bunch of other stuff. I love the car as much as any Ferrari I owned including my 430 coupe. In RWD it is such a different beast, and the feedback to the driver is amazing, not the pickup truck like feeling it has in AWD. Even with everything I have done to it, it has only need regular service.

 

I'm debating getting a Gallardo to keep at our place in NY. I found a very clean 2004 6-speed with 32k miles. I know it's "higher" miles, but I'll probably only drive it 2-3k a year, so I think it will average out over a couple of years anyhow. I just want a reliable AWD car to kick around in.

I'd like to know what you guys think it's worth (ie, what's a 'great' deal, and what's 'fair')?

 

I sold my 360 recently. I never had any problems with 360. I drove 14k miles with no problems. I never driven a Gallardo and I don't like 4WD but I like the new look of G's( after 09). I like the white LP560-4 with those mesh rims and love the Balboni look. So that is what I am researching right now, 2009 and after.

 

Well you make any G RWD, you can get an LP560 front bumper (I have one on my 04), and the rear for a older car, and even the rims. Unless I wanted an egear car (after 09 the system is better) I'd go with an older car. Too bad you do not live around here, one drive in my car would change your mind, it has amazed more than one driver.

 

I had an early over Gallardo for over 4 years and sold it with right at 40k miles. It was a fantastic car. I think that you will really appreciate a lot of things about it. I work at Lamborghini Atlanta now so why don't you come in and we can look at some of the cars and I will explain the differences year to year. I will PM you my contact info.
-Ed

 

It's funny, I've driven 360, 360cs, 430 but never a G-car. I need to get in one and try. It was kind of hard for me to look at a Lambo after my friend passed away in the yellow murci last Feb.

 

I have an 04 Gallardo and love it. I have driven a Stradale and want it in addition to my G. Two diiferent cars but you need one of each. I have 32K on the Gallardo and it has been less than $700 per year to maintain...Unless you change the front to LP560.

When the Countach is restored I will probably add a Stradale to the mix.

I guess you can say I live on the dark and light side.

 

Sorry to hear about your friend. I have lost a few over the years like that as well. I think you should try and drive one, perhaps you can deal with the car in its stock AWD form. I could not but then again I think AWD sports cars should be banned from the planet and with reality shows.

 

I am starting to like the G's and my pick would be Balboni.